Inauguration, Member Recognition and & Generational Award Celebration
Each July, members and guests are invited to offer congratulations to the Incoming Chair of the Board and the newly elected Officers and Directors. The Outgoing Chair is also recognized for their fearless leadership over the past year.
The event also recognizes:
Outstanding Member of the Year
selected by the Chair of the Board for their significant contributions to the Chamber
"Kuroko" Award
selected by the HJCC Staff for a member who deserves recognition for working behind the scenes
Outstanding Committee Chair
selected by the Chair of the Board for exceptional leadership of an HJCC Committee
The event also honors a member company with the Generational Award for their significant contributions to the growth and development of Hawaii's business and community sectors over two or more generations of ownership.
Thursday, July 30, 2026
Generations Ballroom
(Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii, 5th Floor)
5:30 p.m. Doors Open | 6:00 p.m. Program & Dinner
Incoming Chair of the Board
Kaiulani Shinsato
Director, Customer Energy Resources
Hawaiian Electric Company
HJCC Member since 2018
Underwriter Table of 8
- Premium Table Seating
- Validated Parking
- Two (2) Bottles of Wine
- Recognition of Sponsorship on All Promotional Material
Imperial Table of 8
- Preferred Table Seating
- Validated Parking
- One (1) Bottle of Wine
- Recognition of Sponsorship on All Promotional Material
Regular Table of 8
- Validated Parking
Individual Seat
- Validated Parking
Learn More About This Event
Inauguration of the New Chair
Witness the passing of the gavel from Outgoing Chair to the New Incoming Chair!
Outstanding Member of the Year
Each fiscal year, a selected individual(s) of the HJCC is designated by the Chair of the Board of Directors to be the "HJCC Outstanding Member(s) of the Year" for significant contributions to the Chamber.
Kuroko Award
Kuroko in Japanese describes the kabuki stage people who are dressed in black and assist the performers with stage props and dress. They are behind the scenes and do not stand out for the audience.
Every year the selection of the Kuroko Award is done by the Chamber staff, who can readily identify these members who support the Chamber’s events and activities behind the scenes.
Outstanding Committee Chair
The "Outstanding Committee Chair Award" recognizes a committee leader who has demonstrated exceptional leadership, dedication, and effectiveness in guiding their team toward successful outcomes.
Meet the HJCC Leadership
Join us for an evening of celebration, recognition, and new beginnings at the Chamber’s annual Inauguration, Member Recognition, and Generational Award Celebration. This signature event marks the official start of our fiscal year and brings together members, community leaders, and guests to honor the leadership and dedication that continue to strengthen our Chamber and Hawaii’s business community.
2026 HJCC Platinum Sponsors
2026 HJCC Gold Sponsors
2026 Event Planning Committee
Jennifer Onishi, Event Chair
Kaiulani Shinsato
Cathy Tong
Ina Chang
Derek Kaneshiro
Dean Yoneshige